What to wear to a Christmas market
Dress in warm layers: thermal base, jumper, a coat that reaches your thighs, a hat, scarf and gloves, and waterproof boots with insulation. You will stand on cold cobbles for hours, so your feet and hands decide how long you stay.
Two outfits that work
Wool coat, chunky jumper, lined jeans, boots
- long wool coat
- chunky cream jumper
- thermal-lined jeans
- waterproof lined boots
- wool scarf, hat and gloves
A long wool coat and a thick jumper hold heat through an evening of standing, and lined boots keep your feet warm on cobbles.
Padded jacket, wool jumper, dark jeans, boots
- padded winter jacket
- wool jumper
- dark jeans over thermals
- waterproof lined boots
- scarf, hat and gloves
A padded jacket handles wet snow better than wool, and jeans over thermals keep your legs warm without bulk.
By weather
| Hot22° and up | Rare in December, but in mild years wear a light jacket and a scarf; evenings are still cool. |
|---|---|
| Mild10° to 21° | A warm jumper, a coat, a scarf and closed shoes, with gloves in your pocket. |
| ColdBelow 10° | Thermals, wool socks, insulated waterproof boots, a padded coat, hat and thick gloves. |
Do and don’t
- Wear thermal socks and insulated shoes with grip
- Layer a base, a jumper and a coat
- Bring gloves you can eat in or take off easily
- Carry a small bag worn in front, because markets are crowded
- Wear thin soles on cold cobbles
- Wear a scarf that dangles near hot mulled-wine stands
- Carry a large bag; some markets check them
- Wear new boots you have not walked in
Check the night before
- Check the forecast for the evening
- Put on thermal socks and test the boots in the cold
- Pack hat, scarf and gloves
- Take cash for stalls that do not accept cards, and a little for the mug deposit
- Plan a warm stop if you are with children
Questions people ask
What should I wear to a Christmas market?
Warm layers, waterproof insulated boots, a coat, hat, scarf and gloves. Dress for standing still outdoors, not for walking.
What shoes are best for a Christmas market?
Waterproof, insulated boots with a thick sole and grip. Cobbles are cold and often wet or icy.
How do I keep my feet warm at a Christmas market?
Wear wool or thermal socks and shoes with a thick sole and room for toes. Stand on a piece of cardboard or stamp when you can.
What bag should I bring to a Christmas market?
A small cross-body bag, worn in front. Large bags are inconvenient in crowds, and some markets check them.
Pick Christmas market in FeinLens and see what you already own
FeinLens builds complete outfits for this occasion from photos of your own clothes, dressed for the forecast where you’ll be.
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